* The teen's driving record: A clean record gets much lower rates.
* The teen's grades: Good grades often qualify for discounts.
* The parent's driving record and insurance history: This heavily influences the teen's policy.
* The location: Insurance rates vary widely by state and even zip code.
* The insurance company: Different companies have different rating systems.
* The car's safety features: Cars with advanced safety technology (like automatic emergency braking) *might* get a slight discount, but this is less impactful than other factors.
While some cars are generally considered safer and less expensive to insure than others (often smaller, less powerful sedans), you won't find a single "lowest" car across the board.
To find the best insurance rates for a teen driver:
1. Get quotes from multiple insurance companies: Compare rates from at least three different insurers.
2. Consider older, used cars: Newer cars are more expensive to insure and repair. A reliable, older car with lower value is preferable.
3. Look for cars with good safety ratings: While not the primary factor, a safer car *might* influence the rate slightly. Check resources like the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) for safety ratings.
Ultimately, the best way to find the lowest insurance rate is to get personalized quotes from various insurance providers after selecting a few potential vehicles.
